Category Archives: Uncategorized

            Historians estimate that fifty-six thousand Civil War soldiers died as prisoners of war. That figure fails to include soldiers who perished shortly after their liberation, unable to recover from their hellish incarceration. Scholarship on Civil War prisons encompasses an intriguing and chaotic historiography. Numerous memoirs, journals, official government documents, and newspapers revealed prisoners’ dreadfulContinue reading “Prisoners as Pawns: Studying Civil War Prisons”

This post is dedicated to the Heroes of United Flight 93. It is also dedicated to those who assisted after the crash, those heroes responsible for recovery and investigation. Most of all, this post is dedicated to my brother, FBI Agent Gary Leone. Thank you for sharing your story with me. Remembering the Heroes ofContinue reading “Remembering the Heroes of Flight 93”

Religion played a significant role in many Civil War military leaders, especially Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. Significant writing exists detailing his devoutness and dedication to faith and religion, especially during the Civil War. Jackson clung to his unwavering commitment to Christianity throughout his time in the war. He openly prayed and read and quoted scriptureContinue reading “Stonewall Jackson: A Story of Providence and Unwavering Faith”

Today, we mark the anniversary of the start of the American Civil War. Today’s post considers how the motivations of Civil War soldiers, Union, and Confederate, varied from one individual to another, and the motivations often changed as the war continued. For instance, in his memoirs, Confederate Soldier Joshua K. Callaway initially appears eager toContinue reading “Motivations of Civil War Soldiers”

‘T WAS mercy brought me from my pagan land, Taught my benighted soul to understand That there’s a God–that there’s a Saviour too: Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. Some view our sable race with scornful eye— ‘Their color is a diabolic dye.’ Remember, Christians, Negroes black as Cain May be refined, and joinContinue reading “Phillis Wheatley: A Celebration for World Poetry Day 2022”

A common theme exists in the rise of totalitarians, Mussolini, Stalin, and Hitler: pure chaos in war-exhausted countries. Dreadful conditions resulting post World War I bled and festered unrest and despair as well as political, economic, and social chaos across Europe. These desperate conditions invited charismatic presences, self-proclaimed heroes to rescue Italy, Russia, and GermanyContinue reading “Unchecked Aggression and the Rise of Totalitarians in the 1930s and 1940s”

As soldiers fighting for both the British and America, slaves hold a vital chapter in American history. As the American Colonies were rebelling and demanding their freedom, it is understandable that slaves related to the same unquenchable desire for freedom. Kathleen M. Cresto explained that the driving motivation for slaves was personal freedom versus politicalContinue reading “Slaves to Soldiers: Slaves in Revolutionary War America”

Americans watched in horror in late October 1929, as the Stock Market tumbled then calmly rebounded before crashing completely on Black Tuesday, October 29, 1929. For five days, the market wobbled erratically as investors watched helplessly, beginning on Tuesday, October 24, 1929. Life was about to change drastically for millions of Americans. Before we lookContinue reading “Crash, Depression, a New Deal, and War”

Oh, how sweet it is! With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, let this post serve as a little reminder that chocolate is truly magnificent. It might strike you as odd to think that in the early 1900s, chocolate was considered a luxury item enjoyed primarily by the wealthy upper echelon of society. Milton SnivelyContinue reading “The Sweet Success of Milton S. Hershey”

Holocaust denial seems unfathomable, but it is a reality that requires diligent awareness. Maintaining awareness is especially true in light of the fact those remaining survivors will soon be gone. Their experiences vitally fill the gaps in the present historical deposit of Holocaust knowledge. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, “Holocaust denial isContinue reading “On Borrowed Time: Educating Against Holocaust Denial”